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Thursday, January 1, 2015

Manchester City extends Frank Lampard’s contract

Lampard joins Manchester City on six-month deal in summer 2014. His deal was due to expire at midnight on 31 December. But after scoring six times for Manuel Pellegrini’s team in 17 appearances the former Chelsea and England player has pulled out a deal to remain at the club until the end of the season.

The 36-year-old was due to officially become a New York City FC player on January 1 after agreeing a move to the newly-formed MLS franchise in August. But with the extension of his contract with Manchester City he will miss the start of New York’s inaugural MLS campaign, which begins in March. Lampard’s failure to make his presence on schedule provoked an angry reaction against him and Manchester City from football fans in the United States.

Frank Lampard

News posted by The Telegraph claims that New York City FC fans who had bought season tickets and merchandise had been betrayed. A fans' statement said: "On behalf of the Third Rail, we would like to publicly denounce City Football Group's and Frank Lampard’s decision. Many fans, including our members, decided to support the team, committed to season tickets, and bought merchandise under the impression that Frank Lampard would be playing for New York City Football Club, not Manchester City.”